Fernando Mendoza Prepares for First NFL Season with Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza is preparing to start his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza was chosen as the number one pick in the 2026 draft after leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated 2025 season and a national championship. Despite his impressive achievements, including winning the Heisman Trophy, he recognizes the need to adapt to the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator, Andrew Janocko, has been seen working closely with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins during minicamp at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada.

“I think what he said as a quarterback is you need to be the most everything. You need to be the most competitive. You need to be the most leader. You have to have the most leadership,” Mendoza shared, referring to advice from Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.

Tom Brady, as a minority owner of the Raiders, has offered Mendoza guidance, emphasizing mental and physical toughness and leading by example. Gaining respect from teammates is essential for effective leadership according to Brady.

Mendoza also has the veteran Kirk Cousins as a teammate. Cousins acknowledged the benefit of learning from each other rather than seeing himself in a mentor role. “I think to say I’m mentoring them is a bit of a reach, probably more of a narrative than it is the truth,” Cousins commented.

There’s still uncertainty about whether Mendoza will start in Week 1. Cousins, having signed a two-year, $12.6 million contract with the Raiders, still shows capability and experience on the field.